The Year of the Wood Horse

MANILA, Philippines - They couldn’t be a more divergent group but nevertheless, film director Ang Lee, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, media star Oprah Winfrey, physicist Stephen Hawkings, actress/singer Barbra Streisand and boxer Muhammad Ali actually have a few things in common. They’re all determined, creative and successful. And they were all born in the Year of the Horse.

The Horse is a symbol of nobility, fame, elegance and determination and is characterized by unbridled energy, charm and the spirit of freedom. These attributes will in many ways determine what’s in store for us from Jan. 31 to Feb. 18, 2015 – the Year of the Wood Horse. In general, the year will bring optimism to all of us – personally, professionally and spiritually – and will be a period of action, enterprise and achievement.

The 2013 Year of the Snake brought dramatic and, oftentimes, catastrophic events to the Philippines and the world, so this year we can more or less breathe a sigh of relief and begin to reconstruct our lives and build upon our past achievements.

General Prospects for 2014

The Year of the Horse will be a gentler year compared to the past Year of the Snake. It will bring new beginnings for many of us – a new home, a new career, a new love perhaps, new friends or a new environment. Anything is possible in 2014.

In world affairs, political developments in China, Syria, Iceland and North Korea will dominate the headlines. In particular, China will be faced with a serious situation involving a multitude of people, either economic, environmental or health in nature. A popular monarch will fall seriously ill and a famous world leader will be faced with dire health problems.

2014 is a year that will favor enterprise and pioneering spirit. The world’s economy will gradually improve, propelled by an increase in consumer spending and bullish stock markets. However, businessmen and investors should be cautious of making impulsive decisions. It is expected that the industries related to health and medicine, real estate, entertainment, sports and information-communication technology will be highly profitable in the Year of the Horse.

However, the absence of the water and earth elements and the preponderance of the fire element could lead to an aggressive Wood Horse. The business climate will be quite competitive, sometimes even cut-throat. But the winners and survivors will benefit tremendously from the competition after the dust has settled down. The first half of the year will be generally a good period for making money.

In politics, the prevalent fire element will also create power plays and major political struggles, causing some leaders and governments to fall. A terrorist activity in Europe will grab the headlines and will force nations to consolidate concrete efforts to curb such atrocities.

But for leaders who want to make a difference in the world, 2014 will be a good year to pursue their visions. In the Middle East, a welcome development is the end of a major armed conflict leading to peace and stability in the region.

The environment will be another major global topic this year. The civil society will increase its pressure on governments to take more concrete actions to curb climate change. A series of natural calamities related to fire, ice and water are expected in certain parts of the globe. A major volcanic eruption will occur in an island. A big piece of the arctic ice will collapse and there will be severe flooding in certain parts of Asia and the Americas.

In the field of science, a major archaeological find will finally shed light on an age-old religious mystery. An important discovery in human genetics will also benefit mankind as far as health is concerned. A celestial body will pass Earth, almost colliding with our planet but will bring new knowledge about the universe.

Turn the page to read about individual prospects for the different signs.

The person born in the year of the Rat is hardworking and thrifty. He rarely lets an opportunity pass and is constantly involved in many plans and schemes. Charming, intelligent and sociable, he is easy to get along with and enjoys parties and social gatherings. He cherishes friends, associates and family relations and often gets enmeshed in people’s lives and affairs.

2014 will be challenging year for you. But as your nature dictates, you will enjoy facing the challenges that will come your way. You’ll need to keep your confidence high and consequently you’ll be able to surmount any stumbling block to your progress.

Professionally, you have to work harder in order to achieve your goals and targets. There will be a lot of pressure in your workplace, but with your indomitable spirit you’ll be triumphant and will benefit from the outcome of your efforts. There will be work-related travel opportunities so make sure to grab them as the experience will improve your knowledge and skills. Those seeking work will find good employment prospects during the first half of the year. You’ll need to take caution in your financial dealings and watch out for a dependent or partner overspending.

On personal matters, some Rats will experience, by choice or consequence, a change of lifestyle. This will be suitable and beneficial to you in the years to come. The Year of the Horse will bring you much satisfaction if you’ll be attentive to your family and friends and spend more time with them. There will be a major decision to be made at home but beware of making it unilaterally. Be sure to consult family members to ensure a favorable outcome.

For single Rats, romance awaits you this year. Good prospects for meeting that special someone are the months of April, July and November.

You’ll be prone to occasional health problems caused by stress or fatigue. It will be wise to start a sensible diet, get enough quality sleep and engage in a gentle but regular exercise.

The Ox is an animal that symbolizes prosperity through determination and hard work. A person born under the Ox sign is therefore dependable, calm and methodical. He is a tireless worker and can be entrusted with positions of authority and responsibility. Strong-willed and persistent, he can sometimes exhibit bad temper.

The Year of the Horse will be a variable year for you. Some areas of your life will go extremely well while others will encounter difficulties. You’ll need to adopt a positive attitude and exercise strong willpower towards these challenges and adversities in order to overcome them. With your redoubtable spirit, you will deal with problems that come your way effectively, and in the process acquire new life knowledge and insights.

You will encounter a competitive atmosphere in your workplace but with your hardworking and conscientious nature, there will be good prospects for promotion or advancement. And for those facing adversity or monotony at work and are planning to transfer company or shift careers, this is not the time to do so. Wait until the next year for any professional change. For entrepreneurs, this is not an opportune time to start a new business venture. Your finances will gradually improve throughout the year and previous investments will yield good results. Oxen planning to take on a heavy personal financial commitment will need to think twice or seek good professional advice before doing so.

2014 will be a socially busy year for you, with lots of enjoyable gatherings and events with family and friends. With your hectic work and social schedule, you’ll have to get enough rest because stress may cause digestive disorders. Oxen with partners will encounter trust issues with their loved ones. Be patient and keep open lines of communications always.

Those of you who are single will fall in love towards the end of the year but it is wise not to be too eager. It will be best to postpone making any commitment until the following year.

The Tiger symbolizes power, passion and daring. A Tiger therefore usually displays a rebellious, colorful and unpredictable character. He is a fearless and fiery fighter but on the other hand has a humanitarian and romantic streak in him. At his best, he is warm, sensitive and sympathetic; at his worst, he is obstinate, unreasonable and selfish.

Time to rejoice for Tigers! This will be a year of exciting opportunities that will move you forward in many aspects of your life. But these will not come on a silver platter. You’ll need to be clear about your plans and objectives, whether they are professional, personal or financial in nature, before success will come.

There will be some changes in your workplace which you might not favor, but do not view these with suspicion because they’ll be beneficial to you in the end. For Tigers involved in business, the Year of the Horse is a good time for new investments or business expansion. You’ll enjoy a steady income stream but the 2nd or 4th quarter of the year could be a bountiful period with possible commissions, rewards, bonuses or unexpected earnings coming your way. It will be wise to be conservative with your expenditures but make sure to reward individuals who have helped you in the past.

Your social life will be exciting and quite enjoyable. There will be good prospects for foreign travel that you’ve been dreaming of for a long time. Personal relationships will remain strong. There will be a memorable family celebration that will bring you closer to your loved ones.

Single Tigers will meet several attractive and exciting romantic prospects especially during the 3rd quarter of the year. However, these will be fleeting relationships that are not expected to last.

On health matters, it is advisable to take care of your digestive system so try to minimize fatty foods and caffeine. Get regular medical checkups and plenty of rest. It will also be propitious to explore your spiritual side.

To the Chinese, the Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel, kindness and sensitivity to beauty. The Rabbit is a witty and intelligent speaker and loves being involved in a good discussion. He is an efficient worker and has an extremely good memory.

2014 will be a pleasant but hectic year for Rabbits. You will enjoy a lively and expansive social life and benefit from some rewarding professional opportunities. It will be a year when intuition and telepathy will play crucial roles in your career and love life. You will be sought after by family and friends for your insightful advice. But one word of caution – avoid being too confident in the way you deal with things.

At work, expect some directional or organizational changes but it is advisable to just go with the flow. With skills and hard work you will enjoy considerable progress and advancement. Contacts made in the past could prove beneficial to you towards an exciting new career path. For Rabbits seeking work, there will be good opportunities for new or better jobs particularly during the 1st and 2nd quarters of the year. Personal finances will not be a problem but it is not good to make a new investment this year. A surprise inheritance will come your way.

In general, the Year of the Horse will bless you with good health but you’ll need to be watchful of infections connected to your ears, nose or throat. Personal or work-related travels will come your way and will keep you busy and fatigued during some months of the year. Be sure to find time to rest and exercise to keep a healthy mind and body. Taking up a creative hobby or project will bring emotional and spiritual well-being.

Married Rabbits or those in a romantic relationship will face some tough times during the year. Patience and communications are your key words for 2014. Single Rabbits will encounter promising love prospects during the first half of the year.

The Dragon is born under the sign of good luck and will do well in practically anything he attempts. He is magnanimous, full of vitality and is constantly on the go. Proud and aristocratic, the Dragon possesses an assertive personality. He could be egotistical, eccentric, dogmatic, whimsical, terribly demanding or unreasonable, but is never without a band of admirers.

The Year of the Horse will be a year full of challenges that will test you as well as opportunities that will benefit you. On important aspects of your life, it will be wise to listen to the advice of those close to you. In the end, Dragons will enjoy a happy and healthy 2014.

There will be important challenges you’ll be faced with at work. You’ll be troubled by unexpected delays in your exciting new project due to reasons beyond your control. It is crucial to be adaptive and keep channels of communications open and in the end you’ll be rewarded by success. For Dragons seeking new work, a different career direction will prove fruitful. Prospects for employment will be good in April, May, June and October. Entrepreneurs should not be too aggressive with business ventures as the market will be volatile. Study new investments carefully. Your finances will improve and expenditures related to your home will preoccupy but please you.

2014 will present enjoyable activities with family members and friends. However, since work will be stressful this year, it is important to get plenty of rest and exercise. Plan out or attend parties and celebrations and go on a holiday when able.

Married or attached Dragons will need to work hard to maintain a harmonious relationship this year. A bit of sacrifice and a lot of understanding will help ease things up. Single Dragons will meet someone special during the second half of the year. You’ll need to be careful about jumping into a relationship at once and spend time to get to know your prospect well.

The Snake is the deepest thinker and the most mysterious in the Chinese zodiac. He is endowed with an inborn wisdom and intelligence. He treasures his privacy and possesses a calm and placid nature. Graceful, soft-spoken but with a good sense of humor, he loves good books, food, music and theater.

Things will mellow down for Snakes after an eventful and busy Year of the Snake in 2013. Overall, 2014 will be a variable year for you with some challenges coming your way during the 3rd quarter of the year. Your guiding principle this year should be “care,” particularly with your actions and decisions. But on the personal side, there will be a great deal of activity that will keep you busy most of the time.

People will come and go in your workplace. There will also be some organizational changes but you will remain to be a steady and reliable asset for which you will be recognized and rewarded. It is advisable to complete ongoing projects before taking on new ones. It will also help if you acquire a new skill through training. Those seeking work will see possibilities in the periods of June-July and October-November. As to your finances, you’ll need to plan your expenditures well in order to avoid a personal financial crisis. But on the whole, you’ll fare reasonably well on financial matters, particularly during the second half of the year. Try to avoid high-yielding but risky investments.

You’ll find much pleasure in your family and social life with lots of gatherings and functions to attend. To keep a balanced state of being, regular meditation is recommended. In general, you’ll have a clean bill of health the whole year.

For Snakes who are in a long-term relationship and feel that it’s the end of the road with your partner, 2014 is an auspicious time to opt out of the relationship. Your breakup will be less painful for both parties. Single Snakes will meet an interesting person who could be a potential life partner.

The Horse is cheerful, popular and quick-witted. He is very perceptive and loves to talk. He is quite physical and exudes raw sex appeal – the type who will fall in love easily and fall out of love just as easily. Impulsive and stubborn, he will want to have things done his way.

If you just coasted along uneventfully in 2013, it’s now time for jubilation! This is your year which will be positive, exciting and beneficial for you. On the whole, you’ll find fulfillment in many aspects of your life. Changes that will occur this year will have long-lasting benefits.

The Year of the Horse will be a period of expansion and success in your career. With your multi-tasking skills, you’ll take on new ventures or responsibilities with panache. Those employed will have good chances for promotion. For Horses in business, you will enjoy financial success if you play your trump cards right. You will have the confidence and intuitive ability to strike excellent deals. But you’ll have to be gracious and humble in your success, otherwise you’ll encounter detractors who could hamper your progress. Those seeking new work will find good opportunities during the first and last quarters of the year. On personal finances, a lucky star will bring you added money during the second half of the year.

With your professional success, this is a good time to take on humanitarian causes as it will improve your mental and spiritual well-being. You will also bask in an active social life with many enjoyable family gatherings and exciting events. Now is a good time to spend quality time with your loved one for it will strengthen bonds. You’ll have to be extra watchful though when driving or traveling. Be cautious also with affairs of the heart. Your motto this year should be “money can’t buy you love.”

As far as your health is concerned, you have a normal, healthy year but do watch out for chest or lung problems.

The Sheep is the most feminine sign in the Chinese zodiac. Known for his gentle and compassionate ways, he is considered the good Samaritan in the cycle. He is righteous, sincere and is easily affected by sob stories. Although he enjoys being with nature, the Sheep is usually a homebody.

2014 will be a calm but positive year for the Sheep. This will be a fulfilling time as far as professional and personal relationships are concerned. People will generally be kind and understanding towards you. There will be interesting developments at work and you’ll enjoy a happy domestic and social life.

Professionally, expect no major changes in your career. There will be opportunities at work, perhaps some added responsibilities or new projects which in the end will prove your mettle and capability. You will be rightfully recognized for these efforts. For those in the business sector, investments made this year will yield good financial results in 2015. Your stars indicate that there will be a considerable amount of money coming your way in the Year of the Horse. Avoid profligate spending and be careful with get-rich-quick schemes that you’ve been interested in for some time now.

On the domestic front, it will be good to start a new home project for it will bring better harmony in your family. For Sheep who’ve been single for some time, romance will knock at your door either in March, April, September or December. Do not rush into it but rather allow the relationship to develop and blossom for it will turn out to be more long lasting. Those who are married or in an ongoing relationship will have to resolve a long-standing misunderstanding or disagreement before their relationship could progress and reach new heights. Compromise will be your key word this year.

Watch out for any symptom or pain in your spine or upper part of the body and have it checked by a doctor immediately. It will be good to take up a new creative hobby.

The Monkey has the closest affinity to man and therefore inherits most of his intelligence. He is quick-witted, clever and innovative, and can solve intricate problems with ease. The Monkey is innately warm, natural and spontaneous. He exudes self-confidence and has an enviable joie de vivre.

The Year of the Horse will bring you mixed fortunes. You’ll be faced with challenges in certain aspects of your life but you’ll enjoy some successes as well. In order to have better results, you’ll have to plan your year well – set your sights clearly and lay down realistic goals. You’ll need to avoid making hasty decisions on major issues at work and at home and try to consult and get good advice first.

At work, do not pay attention to rumors or intrigues. Just keep on working diligently and you’ll attain your goals. This is also the opportune time to complete a major ongoing or long-standing project. Monkeys in the tourism and food business will be particularly lucky this year. Your finances will be manageable but avoid getting involved in get-rich-quick schemes for they will turn out to be a debacle for you. Your financial well-being this year will come from hard work and diligence. You’ll also need to be circumspect with your expenditures and save up for future needs. If you don’t have one, now is the time to get a life and/or medical insurance.

2014 is going to be a promising year for romance. Married Monkeys will enjoy a harmonious and satisfying year. You’ll be blessed with many happy family occasions and opportunities to strengthen bonds. Single Monkeys are advised not to be too idealistic as far as love prospects are concerned. The second and third quarters of the year are opportune times to meet a compatible partner. Generally, you’ll enjoy good health this year but it will help to have a medical checkup particular with your joints, pancreas and gall bladder. Avoid dependence on antibiotics or pain killers.

The Rooster is the most misunderstood of all the animal signs. Outwardly, he exhibits self-assurance and aggression; but at heart, he could be conservative and old-fashioned. Rooster men are usually attractive, even dashingly handsome. On the whole, the Rooster is sharp, neat, precise, organized, decisive and is good at handling money. He loves to budget everything he could lay his hands on.

2014 will be a variable year for Roosters. Some facets of your life will be satisfying while others will be challenging. You’ll need to be on guard always and proceed with caution. It will be a case where success means being able to rise to the challenge and quickly grabbing opportunities that come your way. In order to succeed, your operative word this year is adaptation.

Professionally, you’ll be faced with some difficult decisions. It will pay to get good advice but do not procrastinate making these decisions. Your financial situation will be generally fine but expect some minor setbacks during the second half of the year concerning some investments or unexpected expenditures. 2014 is a good time for students intending to do graduate studies abroad.

There will be some radical changes that could affect or influence your lifestyle. Embrace these changes and they will bring positive results for you. The Year of the Horse bodes well for new social or romantic relationships. Some Roosters may feel nostalgic about a past relationship and dissatisfied with the present one. If you’re not ready to let go of your current relationship, you’ll have to exercise a great amount of understanding and compromise to do so. For married Roosters, this is not the time to expand your family for it will bring many difficulties to your home life. If you are single, a lucky star will shine upon you during the third quarter of the year and bring you that special someone. Overall, your health is expected to be fine but do watch your weight for it could bring some complications.

The Dog is honest, genuine, loyal, sincere and respects law and order – qualities of an ideal citizen of the country! He is not materialistic and possesses humanitarian instincts. He is the type who will lay down his life for a friend or relative. However, he can suffer bouts of melancholy or, when the situation calls for it, show flashes of temper.

The Year of the Horse bodes well for the Dog. This will be year of progress and personally rewarding times. You will feel more confident about yourself and will have the luck to build upon past efforts to start a more fulfilling existence.

Dogs will shine in their workplace and will be recognized and rewarded for their enthusiasm and efforts. For those intending to change careers or move to another company, 2014 is an opportune time to seek other employment options. There is also a good chance you’ll land your dream job. As far as personal finances are concerned, careful planning is necessary because you’ll find many financial commitments to fulfill. Avoid profligate spending and keep those credit cards stowed away. You’ll also have to watch out for certain family members spending excessively.

Your social life will be full of celebrations and merriment. You’ll often find yourself at the center of gatherings with family and friends. Single Dogs will be faced with a dilemma regarding their love life. You’ll find it difficult to make the right choice or decision, a better problem indeed than not having any romance at all. But do consult your close friends first and once your decision is made you’ll rediscover that life is indeed a bed of roses.

On the other hand, married Dogs will find their spouses too demanding or domineering this year. Try to temper the demands of your partner by being firm but caring at the same time. It is best to start a dietary or exercise regimen and do be careful of minor accidents at home or on the road.

The Pig is the most easy-going and laid-back of all the signs. Cheerful, friendly and overflowing with good intentions, he does not bear grudges. He is the connoisseur of the Chinese zodiac and thus enjoys good food and has a healthy appetite. Despite lacking strong ambitions, he is hardworking and is generally successful in life.

For Pigs, 2014 is a time for celebration! After a difficult 2013, the Year of the Horse will be full of good news for you. It will be a year that will offer many chances for personal and professional improvement. Your personal life will become more settled and pleasant. It will be a favorable year particularly for Pigs in business as good fortune is expected for those who are enterprising.

You will experience a more competitive atmosphere at work but do not be troubled for you will come out on top. With hard work and added responsibilities a promotion is likely. For entrepreneurs, a carefully studied and placed investment will yield good results. Part of your success will come with your key words for the year – humility and diplomacy. For Pigs seeking work, 2014 is a good year for you but purposeful action towards your goal is necessary. As a result of your success at work, you will enjoy a much improved financial standing. However, you’ll need to beware of con artists who will be after your money.

At home, you will be blessed with harmonious family relations. Your social life with friends and colleagues is going to be busy and enjoyable. 2014 is a time to let bygones be bygones. It is wise therefore to make amends with those you’ve had differences with in the past. Single Pigs will bask in the attention given by several love prospects but this is not a good time to make a commitment. You’ll need to watch your diet that may cause digestive disorders so try to avoid spicy, oily and junk foods and drink lots of tea. There will be exciting travel prospects for you this year.